UKRAINIAN WOMEN IN THE EDUCATION MOVEMENT: KHRYSTYNA ALCHEVSKA AND SOFIIA RUSOVA

Abstract

In the context of contemporary realities, when Ukraine’s education system undergoes reorganization, the need to reevaluate and incorporate the most effective practices from historical and pedagogical experiences has become particularly relevant. Ukrainian women played a pivotal role in the national education movement, with notable representatives such as Khrystyna Alchevska and Sofiia Rusova making significant contributions. The article provides an in-depth analysis of the educational and social activities of Kh. Alchevska and S. Rusova – the remarkable educators of the second half of the XIXth century and the first quarter of the XXth century. It presents Alchevska as a progressive pedagogue and enlightener, a pioneer of private Sunday schools and a philanthropist who supported numerous educational establishment for adolescents and adults. She implemented principles of comprehensive upbringing, developed innovative methods of organizing the educational process, created teaching aids and programs, conducted assessments of teachers’ professional competence. Kh. Alchevska promoted the idea of accessible education for a wide segment of society. Sofiia Rusova is highlighted as the organizer of the first national kindergarten in Ukraine, the author of concepts for the national education system, Ukrainian-speaking schools and preschool institutions, fundamental theoretical and methodological principles of teaching. She was a prominent public figure who advanced the development of Ukrainian national education at the state level. The conclusion proves that the pedagogical achievements of Alchevska and Rusova became the foundation for Ukrainian national pedagogy, strengtened and developed progressive ideas of the education movement in Ukraine.